Coraline

Rayman FREAK · 02-07-2009, 11:47 AM

The most satisfying picture I've seen in a good long while. It dazzles, frightens, and uplifts the audience with a masterful showcase of visual effects, poetic storytelling, charming voice-acting, and elements of the macabre.

I knew next to nothing about the film going in. I knew it was a collaborative effort by Henry Selick (of Nightmare Before Christmas fame) and Neil Gaiman (fantasy/horror novelist), so my expectations were fairly high. I can thankfully say that they were exceeded. (And in case anyone here has read the novel, I can't personally comment on the accuracy/faithfulness of the adaptation, but my Gaiman-aficionado friend, who organized the outing, absolutely loved the movie)

The story is simple and charming, so don't worry about feeling confused at any time, but it will take you to places you might not expect from a "childrens" movie. Yes, the movie is scary, but not a screamer. It's scary in that the character Coraline faces surreal challenges that carry dire consequences. Coraline is also a very endearing character, and it will hurt you to see her struggle. Dakota Fanning's performance really brings the character to life, and the rest of the cast is equally impressive. It's a great little tale told in a refreshing, and at times spooky, fashion.

I also have to applaud the use of 3D. It nicely avoids the overuse of "popping-out-at-you" gimmicks (but of course it happens every now and then), and instead, the effect is used simply to bring you into the world more closely. The effect is always a treat, but by the end I had almost forgotten I was watching a 3D movie. It felt very natural and was easy on the eyes. Some 3D movies just give me a headache, but I was basically fine all throughout this one. The effect seems perfect for a stop-motion picture, where everything you see on-screen is an actual, hand-crafted model. It gives you the illusion of playing with giant dolls.

In short: Very strongly recommended, go see it. And if you have the option, see it in 3D. If not, go anyway.

However, a word of caution: There is a fair bit of disturbing imagery, so do not bring very young children if you have any. I'd say below grade-school is too young.

(Oh, also, They Might Be Giants did the music, and John Linnell actually has a vocal cameo. It's easy to spot if you're familiar with them. I noticed it without knowing that they were at all involved in the film.)

**Valigarmander** · 02-07-2009, 11:59 AM

^ They Might Be Giants did one song. They were dropped from the film because their music wasn't "creepy enough".

I've been thinking about checking out this movie sometime. I'll need to find a theater in my area that plays in 3D, though.

***CaptHayfever*** · 02-07-2009, 01:02 PM

^Not creepy enough? Somebody needs to hear "With the Dark".

And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

**Valigarmander** · 02-07-2009, 10:59 PM

I went and saw it. I liked it, even though I didn't get to see it in 3D.

Spoiler Below

I wish TMBG would've played a bigger part, though. There was just that 30-second Other Father's song, and nuttin'. And I'm surprised they got away with Ms. Forcible and Ms. Spink, Jeezus.

Also, I was mildly annoyed with the whole "FIND OUR EYES, AND OUR SOULS CAN BE RELEASED" thing... when they said that, I felt like I was watching a video game cutscene telling me what items to find to move onto the next stage.

All in all, a great movie. Very spooky at times. I'd give it a B+.

Edit: Also, I had no idea Wyborn was a real name. Wyborn, your new nickname is Wybie.

Jere · 02-08-2009, 01:29 AM

Didnt you mean Caroline?

YouTube - Caroline - Status Quo

Sim Kid · 02-08-2009, 07:01 PM

I think she meant Coraline.

I really enjoyed the book, even if it would take an hour-and-a-half bus ride to read it, and I think Neil Gaiman is a great author. They picked a pretty good film to make this movie out of, and stop motion + CGI is a pretty good combination. That's the kind of format I've been waiting to see, and if you ask me, it's how some things should be. Granted, this can be done just as well either way but using both can compensate for both.

Coraline looks pretty nice. I like how the buttons work, it's just how I imagined the Other Mother would look. And does anybody know if she's wearing something like a Central Michigan or a Michigan state university shirt? When my mom saw a trailer she said "She's wearing _____ colours!". I don't really look for that kind of thing.

hopefully I'll get to see this film next week. I'm glad to hear your opinions on it.

**Valigarmander** · 02-08-2009, 07:15 PM

^ The dad was wearing an Michigan State shirt.

Panfan · 02-08-2009, 07:17 PM

Yeah, there was an article about Michigan State/Michigan in general references in the movie in the Detroit Free Press.

**Valigarmander** · 02-08-2009, 07:19 PM

Coraline's family moved from Pontiac, apparently.

Sim Kid · 02-08-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valigarmander

^ The dad was wearing an Michigan State shirt.

a-ha. Thanks.

Sean P Kelly · 02-10-2009, 07:35 PM

I'm seeing it tomorrow (in 3D even)

1-up Salesman · 02-10-2009, 07:57 PM

I'm seeing it this Friday. I'm pretty excited.

Panfan · 02-10-2009, 08:08 PM

I'm excited to (eventually) see it. I have a feeling that the Hot Topic crowd's gonna ruin it when it gets on DVD.

Sean P Kelly · 02-11-2009, 11:50 PM

I loved the film and I just wish that they make more stop motion films (I don't care that they take forever to make).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sim Kid

They picked a pretty good film to make this movie out of, and stop motion + CGI is a pretty good combination.

I think there was very little CGI in the film (only in parts, where it was impossible to do the stop motion). Personally, I believe that stop motion is much better than CGI, since even thought CGI is prettier, stop motion is more solid and real (I loved the detail in the objects).

**Valigarmander** · 02-12-2009, 09:15 AM

^ Stop-motion is also a lot cheaper than CGI. Kung Fu Panda cost about $50 million more than Coraline to make.

Bomby · 02-12-2009, 01:25 PM

Kung Fu Panda also was backed by Dreamworks and boasted more well known voice actors.

Vapor · 02-12-2009, 02:26 PM

I haven't seen it, but one of my friends did and is wearing the 3-D glasses in public.

***Marilink*** · 08-08-2009, 10:11 PM

Big bump, but I just saw this for the first time, and I loved it. It was pretty darn creepy, I loved the stop-motion, the story was pretty sweet. The only thing I would have preferred is if the quests for the eyes were a little longer. They seemed a little too short-lived for me, especially the one in the garden.

But overall the movie was great. I want to watch it again in 3-D, though, and also so that I can catch all the foreshadowing.

**Valigarmander** · 08-08-2009, 10:18 PM

Funny thing. The first time I watched Coraline in theaters, when I saw Coraline's two friends from Michigan, they reminded me of ML and UN.

***Marilink*** · 08-08-2009, 10:25 PM

haha, nice! Yeah, I was catching a lot of Michigan references. Apparently Brighton has good pulled taffy.

02-07-2009, 11:47 AM	#1
Rayman FREAK Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Behind the curtain. Pay me no attention. Gender: Posts: 4,042 Thanks: 95 Thanked 74 Times in 36 Posts	Coraline The most satisfying picture I've seen in a good long while. It dazzles, frightens, and uplifts the audience with a masterful showcase of visual effects, poetic storytelling, charming voice-acting, and elements of the macabre. I knew next to nothing about the film going in. I knew it was a collaborative effort by Henry Selick (of Nightmare Before Christmas fame) and Neil Gaiman (fantasy/horror novelist), so my expectations were fairly high. I can thankfully say that they were exceeded. (And in case anyone here has read the novel, I can't personally comment on the accuracy/faithfulness of the adaptation, but my Gaiman-aficionado friend, who organized the outing, absolutely loved the movie) The story is simple and charming, so don't worry about feeling confused at any time, but it will take you to places you might not expect from a "childrens" movie. Yes, the movie is scary, but not a screamer. It's scary in that the character Coraline faces surreal challenges that carry dire consequences. Coraline is also a very endearing character, and it will hurt you to see her struggle. Dakota Fanning's performance really brings the character to life, and the rest of the cast is equally impressive. It's a great little tale told in a refreshing, and at times spooky, fashion. I also have to applaud the use of 3D. It nicely avoids the overuse of "popping-out-at-you" gimmicks (but of course it happens every now and then), and instead, the effect is used simply to bring you into the world more closely. The effect is always a treat, but by the end I had almost forgotten I was watching a 3D movie. It felt very natural and was easy on the eyes. Some 3D movies just give me a headache, but I was basically fine all throughout this one. The effect seems perfect for a stop-motion picture, where everything you see on-screen is an actual, hand-crafted model. It gives you the illusion of playing with giant dolls. In short: Very strongly recommended, go see it. And if you have the option, see it in 3D. If not, go anyway. However, a word of caution: There is a fair bit of disturbing imagery, so do not bring very young children if you have any. I'd say below grade-school is too young. (Oh, also, They Might Be Giants did the music, and John Linnell actually has a vocal cameo. It's easy to spot if you're familiar with them. I noticed it without knowing that they were at all involved in the film.)

02-07-2009, 10:59 PM	#4
Valigarmander The Bee's Knees Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The land of rain and trees (Oregon) Gender: Posts: 29,755 Thanks: 1,649 Thanked 5,700 Times in 2,580 Posts Blog Entries: 20	I went and saw it. I liked it, even though I didn't get to see it in 3D. Spoiler Below I wish TMBG would've played a bigger part, though. There was just that 30-second Other Father's song, and nuttin'. And I'm surprised they got away with Ms. Forcible and Ms. Spink, Jeezus. Also, I was mildly annoyed with the whole "FIND OUR EYES, AND OUR SOULS CAN BE RELEASED" thing... when they said that, I felt like I was watching a video game cutscene telling me what items to find to move onto the next stage. All in all, a great movie. Very spooky at times. I'd give it a B+. Edit: Also, I had no idea Wyborn was a real name. Wyborn, your new nickname is Wybie. Last edited by Valigarmander; 02-07-2009 at 11:42 PM.

02-07-2009, 11:59 AM	#2
Valigarmander The Bee's Knees Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The land of rain and trees (Oregon) Gender: Posts: 29,755 Thanks: 1,649 Thanked 5,700 Times in 2,580 Posts Blog Entries: 20	^ They Might Be Giants did one song. They were dropped from the film because their music wasn't "creepy enough". I've been thinking about checking out this movie sometime. I'll need to find a theater in my area that plays in 3D, though.

02-07-2009, 01:02 PM	#3
*CaptHayfever* Smash SuperMod Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: (n) - the place where I am Gender: Posts: 27,659 Thanks: 1,991 Thanked 2,486 Times in 1,513 Posts	^Not creepy enough? Somebody needs to hear "With the Dark". And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

02-08-2009, 01:29 AM	#5
Jere Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sutme Gender: Posts: 3,648 Thanks: 404 Thanked 331 Times in 256 Posts Blog Entries: 3	Didnt you mean Caroline? YouTube - Caroline - Status Quo

02-08-2009, 07:01 PM	#6
Sim Kid Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: The state of Denial Gender: Posts: 8,884 Thanks: 80 Thanked 198 Times in 122 Posts	I think she meant Coraline. I really enjoyed the book, even if it would take an hour-and-a-half bus ride to read it, and I think Neil Gaiman is a great author. They picked a pretty good film to make this movie out of, and stop motion + CGI is a pretty good combination. That's the kind of format I've been waiting to see, and if you ask me, it's how some things should be. Granted, this can be done just as well either way but using both can compensate for both. Coraline looks pretty nice. I like how the buttons work, it's just how I imagined the Other Mother would look. And does anybody know if she's wearing something like a Central Michigan or a Michigan state university shirt? When my mom saw a trailer she said "She's wearing _____ colours!". I don't really look for that kind of thing. hopefully I'll get to see this film next week. I'm glad to hear your opinions on it.

02-08-2009, 07:15 PM	#7
Valigarmander The Bee's Knees Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The land of rain and trees (Oregon) Gender: Posts: 29,755 Thanks: 1,649 Thanked 5,700 Times in 2,580 Posts Blog Entries: 20	^ The dad was wearing an Michigan State shirt.

02-08-2009, 07:17 PM	#8
Panfan AND HE PRAYS Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grayskull Gender: Posts: 18,806 Thanks: 1,405 Thanked 2,247 Times in 1,337 Posts Blog Entries: 15	Yeah, there was an article about Michigan State/Michigan in general references in the movie in the Detroit Free Press.

02-08-2009, 07:19 PM	#9
Valigarmander The Bee's Knees Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The land of rain and trees (Oregon) Gender: Posts: 29,755 Thanks: 1,649 Thanked 5,700 Times in 2,580 Posts Blog Entries: 20	Coraline's family moved from Pontiac, apparently.

02-10-2009, 07:35 PM	#11
Sean P Kelly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,789 Thanks: 19 Thanked 58 Times in 46 Posts	I'm seeing it tomorrow (in 3D even)

02-10-2009, 07:57 PM	#12
1-up Salesman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Letting you guys know that I'm planning on continuing Attack of the Spammers soon. Gender: Posts: 4,095 Thanks: 2,162 Thanked 250 Times in 194 Posts Blog Entries: 9	I'm seeing it this Friday. I'm pretty excited.

02-10-2009, 08:08 PM	#13
Panfan AND HE PRAYS Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grayskull Gender: Posts: 18,806 Thanks: 1,405 Thanked 2,247 Times in 1,337 Posts Blog Entries: 15	I'm excited to (eventually) see it. I have a feeling that the Hot Topic crowd's gonna ruin it when it gets on DVD.

02-12-2009, 09:15 AM	#15
Valigarmander The Bee's Knees Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The land of rain and trees (Oregon) Gender: Posts: 29,755 Thanks: 1,649 Thanked 5,700 Times in 2,580 Posts Blog Entries: 20	^ Stop-motion is also a lot cheaper than CGI. Kung Fu Panda cost about $50 million more than Coraline to make.

02-12-2009, 01:25 PM	#16
Bomby You just freaking blew Joe Biden's mind! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: WHAT?house Gender: Posts: 19,491 Thanks: 513 Thanked 1,449 Times in 849 Posts Blog Entries: 5	Kung Fu Panda also was backed by Dreamworks and boasted more well known voice actors.

02-12-2009, 02:26 PM	#17
Vapor Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: WHERE IT'S AT Gender: Posts: 5,211 Thanks: 314 Thanked 413 Times in 249 Posts	I haven't seen it, but one of my friends did and is wearing the 3-D glasses in public.

08-08-2009, 10:11 PM	#18
*Marilink* Gotta catch 'em all! Supermod! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Location, Location. Gender: Posts: 29,118 Thanks: 2,535 Thanked 1,822 Times in 1,007 Posts	Big bump, but I just saw this for the first time, and I loved it. It was pretty darn creepy, I loved the stop-motion, the story was pretty sweet. The only thing I would have preferred is if the quests for the eyes were a little longer. They seemed a little too short-lived for me, especially the one in the garden. But overall the movie was great. I want to watch it again in 3-D, though, and also so that I can catch all the foreshadowing.

08-08-2009, 10:18 PM	#19
Valigarmander The Bee's Knees Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The land of rain and trees (Oregon) Gender: Posts: 29,755 Thanks: 1,649 Thanked 5,700 Times in 2,580 Posts Blog Entries: 20	Funny thing. The first time I watched Coraline in theaters, when I saw Coraline's two friends from Michigan, they reminded me of ML and UN.

08-08-2009, 10:25 PM	#20
*Marilink* Gotta catch 'em all! Supermod! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Location, Location. Gender: Posts: 29,118 Thanks: 2,535 Thanked 1,822 Times in 1,007 Posts	haha, nice! Yeah, I was catching a lot of Michigan references. Apparently Brighton has good pulled taffy.